After catching the
prospective employer's eye with an impressive resume,
the next important hurdle to face will be passing the
job interview. Although a major chunk of your success
depends on the gist of the question and answer portion,
polishing the smallest details of your performance may
just as well contribute to the interviewer's overall assessment.
How you behave before and after the main event may either
confirm or debunk what you are verbally claiming to be.
So aside from the main marketing pitch, what other matters
should you remember?

Dress like
a winner. It's possible to be the most brilliant
prospect on the candidate list, but putting on shabby
clothes may signal the contrary. If you have a smart speech
prepared, take the trouble to look the part as well. You
don't need expensive clothes: a clean, well-pressed business
suit will do just fine. If you're a woman, don't forget
to wear pantyhose if you're in a skirt ensemble. This
is an important part of the "uniform" that most
Filipinas overlook. For both men and women, make sure
the patent leather on your feet gleams with a perfect
shine, and snip out the stray threads that are slipping
out of your sleeve or collar.

Show up on
time. If you want the job bad, take the trouble
to allot at least two hours for travel time. In this country,
traffic is no longer an excuse but a reality. Otherwise
let the interviewer know if and why you will be late,
and ask for another appointment. Confirm the interview
date before showing up if the interviewer neglected to
do so himself.

Discuss salary
after an offer is made. You might be impressed
with the office environment but you're itching to know
how much you'll get paid for the post. Unless you are
given a compensation and benefits overview, delay the
question until a formal job offer has been made. Bring
up the issue by politely expressing your interest in the
job, hence the need to know the salary range and benefits.
This way, you won't come off as "mukhang pera"
especially when the employer has not made a move of particularly
selecting you just yet.

Decline politely.
If you're convinced that this oppotunity isn't
for you despite the standing offer, give the employer
a phone call so that your replacement can be sought as
soon as possible. It's important to say the proper things
depending on your intentions. If you'd like to take a
jab at getting a better offer, politely turn down the
job but point out that your doors will remain open in
the future should circumstances be different. Otherwise,
graciously inform them that it is an interesting opportunity,
but you believe that your focus is best directed elsewhere.

Send a thank
you note. Not many of us are aware of this, but
it's important to thank your contact for referring you
to a job, especially if you got the post based on this
person's good recommendation. Doing so is a sign of courtesy
and indicates how well you carry yourself in a business
setting. This also serves as a good networking practice.
Sending thank you notes keeps your relationships open
and friendly, and ensures you'lll remain in the loop the
next time a good opportunity comes around.